The level of expectations for Jayden Daniels’ second season was off the charts and, today, felt a little bit like a letdown.
Washington came away with a 21-6 win over the New York Giants.
Defense Led the Way
Leading up to the game, the defense was treated like an afterthought, but they were at the top of the marquee today.
The New York Giants won’t be confused with the Greatest Show on Turf, but to hold a veteran quarterback like Russell Wilson and the Giants’ offense to no touchdowns is worth noting.
In the second quarter, the Giants had seven snaps from Washington’s 10-yard line and only managed a field goal. The Giants were knocking on the door in the fourth, but the Commanders’ defense stopped the Giants on four straight plays from the Washington 3-yard line.
The Giants managed a dismal 3.7 yards per play.
Passing Game Slightly Off
The Commanders’ offense seemed off from the get-go.
Early on, Daniels’ passes to his receivers were slightly behind, which is why there were some drops and lost opportunities for yards after catch.
Deebo Samuels led the team with seven receptions, and it’s going to take a few weeks before Terry McLaurin gets in a groove.
What Daniels did well was hit the midrange passes. It was said several times on the broadcast that he was extremely accurate in that window.
He also seemed more patient in the passing game. It didn’t seem like Daniels took off as fast as he did last season. That’s a good sign and puts him at less risk of harm.
Running Game Crankin’
Washington traded Brian Robinson Jr. in the offseason, leaving the Commanders in full committee mode.
Washington churned out 220 yards on the ground and an impressive 6.9 yards per carry. The Commanders were able to run the ball well in almost every running zone on the field.
Preseason star, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, led the Commanders’ backs with 82 yards on 10 carries.
